The Director of HAK (Human Rights) Association Manuel Fernandes Monteiro said most of Timorese still do not enjoy their basic rights, in particular those living remote areas and who do not have access to the adequate basic education, health, clean water and food.
He added that based on the association’s research held across six municipalities (Baucau, Viqueque, Aileu, Ainaro, Ermera and Dili) on human rights in the areas of security, education, health, agriculture and access to clean water during the time of the new VI Government.
“Communities we have spoken to complained about lack of medicines in the clinics, the poor quality of health facilities, poor quality of education, and continued lack of access to clean water,” said Director Monteiro in Farol, Dili.
He said also that even though communities live in peace because of the efforts of the police and the defense forces, in some municipalities’ communities still face challenges.
In a report on Human Rights published recently, the association wishes to remind the new government about human rights in Timor-Leste and it also urges the government to fulfil its constitutional obligations that guarantee that all Timorese have equal rights.
Director Monteiro said also the new government needs to strengthen its commitment to protect people’s basic rights because every year funds from the general state budget to the basic sector continue to be cut.
He added that human rights violence remains high due to political and civic reasons caused by abuses of power and that social, economic and cultural challenges remain due to corruption.
Meanwhile the Deputy Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman (PDHJ) Horacio de Almeida noted that the new government needs to address the challenges faced by the basic sector in particular in regards to health, education and access to clean water.
“For example in regards to access to clean water despite some progress made by the government in this area; it is true that some communities still do not have access,” said Deputy Ombudsman Almeida.
He added that everyone is responsible for promoting and strengthening human rights in Timor-Leste not just the new government.
He said also that in 2015 PDHJ registered more than 180 cases of human rights violations and that some cases are civil and others are criminal.
